...and clarification

Wow...everyone. Like I can't even tell you how much I appreciate the support. You all seriously have my back and I really appreciate it.

I need to be totally strait with you. I was very upset yesterday and still am. I wrote that post thinking Ali said she had issues with blog similarities. I wrote that post wondering why I was let go for reasons that didn't completely make sense. With the participation issue...A5D and I were clear on where we stood with that. So that was not a concern in my mind at all....well, anyway....I will spare you a mile long post again.

Basically there has been a misunderstanding that has taken place and to be honest I can't fix it. Ali and A5D can only do that. I talked to Ali on the phone and not only did she say she never contacted A5D or said she had an issue with our blogs, she said she in fact has no problem with the way I do any of my designing. So...I'm sitting there on the phone like hu?

This is unfortunate for all parties. I really am speechless. I didn't intend for Ali to be a target. I did want her to know how I felt about the blog comment. But now it seems that it never was said. I didn't want A5D to be a target. I wanted to let them know my confusion about everything. I haven't got word from them so it's like I can't even say much more about A5D. I did make the post yesterday because my costumers needed to know what was going on. That and I wanted to defend myself. All this is really hard to follow for you all I bet. Me too. The bottom line is, I was let go for unclear reasons that may or may not have been true. All I know is that whatever threat there was based on my designs, was enough.

So, as crazy as this is I'm going to keep truckin' and do my thing. Ali said she didn't say anything. I hope Ali can get an explanation as well. I have to keep moving on. Above all, scrapbooking is meant to be fun and meaningful. Like in all things, it can get ugly, yes. I hope we can just freakin' forget it all. But other than that I wash my hands. I don't have a shop anymore and I can handle that. I don't, however, like lies.

Thanks again everyone and I'm not even kidding you. Don't ever think I will forget this. This is my last post on the matter. Thank gooness because my elbows are killing me!

Be back in a flash,
-out

Comments

[Greta]

Oh I am glad that something is cleared up! I am glad that Ali was not involved in this.

You don't NEED A5D Karla, you have your own base of customers and people who think you are fantastic! There plenty of places for you to sell your kits.

Happy Mothers Day Karla!

[Greta]

I should of said there is plenty of other places to sell your kits.... ;-)

[kimberly]

Karla, I'd love to buy your kits directly from you. And thank you for having the principles to be honest about things. Digital needs more people like you!

[Jillian]

Karla,you just keep on keepin' on with your head held high and your big, beautiful smile shining bright. I'm glad you got some clarification from Ali herself. Onward and upward from here! :) And, no harm in me being early to wish you a very happy Mother's Day! You sure do deserve it! All the best to you!

[Kim McNair]

I guess there is drama everywhere, even in hobbies we love. I know that this is more than a hobby for you and I'm sad to hear about the situation you are dealing with. Much success in designing and raising a beautiful family.
You are extremely talented and I hope you always continue to let your light shine.

[Michelle]

Karla, I missed reading your blog for a few days, and WOAH, the floor fell out!!!! YIPES! I will never miss a day again! I did not comment on your first post on this and figured I had better read this newest post first, so here I am . I have not read anyone else's comments at all yet, but I have to say that the ONLY reason I EVER went to A5D or bought anything there was because of YOUR WORK!!! So this just really stinks and now I have no reason to really go to A5D because to tell you the truth, I very **few** favorite artists, and you are one of them. I am so sad. But let me just tell you that you can make it somewhere else sooooooooooooooo easily! Man, get the word out you are not committed to a seller because you will start getting offers like crazy. Seriously.

I love your style. I love your art. I love how much you create on your own. I must say that Ali is also one of my very favorite designers, but I see her style as very different from yours (perhaps some similarities but minor). Yes, the handwriting is a bit similar, but the pages you put together and the elements you create from scratch are sooooooo totally YOU and not like what she does. I love Ali and her work. I love your work for totally different reasons. Maybe people who like Ali's work also like yours---and that is good!

Your style is elegant and yet simple at the same time. Yet you can create things that I have seen no other artist create. Your work is individual. Your stuff is gorgeous. I am ....grrrr.... angry. But I respect the way you have just said your peace and don't seem to be continuing the issues.

And let me just say that your blog looks nothing like Ali's except that you both use typepad and its features. I have seen TONS AND TONS of blogs on typepad using these features! grrrrrrrrr (again)

I love freebies, of course of course, but is it possible to just sell them in a store of your OWN right here on your blog???? I would buy them! Will you sell me that swoooosh/swirly you made? I LOVE THAT THING!

Keep bloggin', keep your head up, A5D does not even realize what they have just let slip by. I missed you big time while you were gone but you had stuff to deal with!!! You have a fabulous growing family and they do deserve #1. I will stay connected and love to see what you create. Keep your head up. You rock.

[Michelle]

One more thing to other readers.... consider letting A5D know of their grave mistake. I just expressed my dissatisfaction with an e-mail...
http://www.afterfivedesigns.com/shoppe/help.php?section=contactus&mode=update
...and I am getting off their mailing list. Not because I hate A5D---no, not all! But because if Karla is not there anymore, I don't have reason to shop there.

[Grace]

I've never written on your blog before either, but I just want to offer a little support. I agree with someone else who has said that everybody else's stuff at A5D is starting to look really similar, and that your stood out as unique. I hope you find somewhere else that fits you better!! You might try oscraps... I bet your designs would fit in well there! At any rate, I know you will do well wherever you are.

[Account Deleted]

OK, so I know this is your last post. But i'm just chiming in all of this last minute. I'm so sorry that this happenend to you. YOU are my inspiration, big time. I only know A5D because of you, and I likED that site. I always clicked your name first and went purchasing. I'm sad. You are such good peeps, and that's hard to come by. It's definitely their lost. Hang In there, glad you will still be doing you and I will def. buy your product. definately. Happy Mother's day, mommy of soon to be 5 (wow) and take it easy.
a long time lurker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Your Mom]

Wow, this is all very interesting. It's obvious that somebody felt threatend or pressured and it's too bad that they displayed there feelings in such a way. It doesn't help their reputation and speaks volumes about their lack of charecter. It's also obvious that they don't know you very well either. You know, I never really gave much thought to your handwriting, well until now. I mean, I thought it was nice and all but I quess I was so used to it and it seems odd to hear people talking about it and even more strange to find that there is another person who shares your writing style. But what came first the chicken or the egg:D I just pulled some letters that you wrote to me while in college and the envelopes displayed your little touches along with the "special" way that you write. Maybe this was the beginning of things to come. But you were born creative so I just thought that the envelopes were your way of making the letters special. I know this was loonngg before you even heard of scraping or Ali Edwards. With such the fuss, I think I'll keep these treasures in my little hiding place. Heck, they may be collectors items someday! No kidding... Love you baby and have a Mother's day that is as SPECIAL as you are!!

[Jill]

Are you sure that Ali wasn't just backpedalling?

[Ronda Palazzari]

Oh, my friend, So sorry for you, for all the mess and confusion. I understand you'll never ever forget this. When that is said, I'll say: when one door closes a new will open, and I'm sure you'll find new and better ways to sell your awesome kits. You are so talented and a wonderful artist - lots of people loves you and your work of art.
Thinking of you!
Big, big hugs

[gudrun]

OH NO!! I was NOT Ronda at all in the last post, but ME - Gudrun!!!
Sometimes things just get messed up around here....

[kerry]

Karla, your mom is the best. She made me smile reading that.

I love the support that you have received through this. You are unique, and beautiful and that's why so many people love you and why I find you so inspiring. I also love that you have always made everybody feel personally connected to you because you always take the time to write back.

You were the reason that I went to A5. I don't know the whole story, whether they outright lied about Ali or if Ali is back peddaling, - it will come out in the end - but either way, you've come out of this gracefully. I hope you continue to do your designs. I hope you consider selling them on your own so you don't have to worry about a middle person getting what you deserve. You have amazing talent.

Love ya girl. Happy Mother's Day!!

[Meaghan (bonafyde)]

First let me say Happy Mother's day!!!!! Get your grub on, get dressed up or even get your feet rubbed on and prettified! (man do I remember how swollen and sore my feet would get while preggo...a pedicure never felt so good... once you get past the embarrassment of having someone rub on your sausages...LOL)

Now, I respect that this is the end of it for you, that's the right approach...just keep on doing You. Take it as a great lesson learned on how to stand up for your rights. As for the blatant dishonesty...Mama always did say what happen inna dark always come to light...so in the end all will reveal itself. If people wanna live salty they may succeed at first but they never make it it the end...people will remember how you move and they will avoid you in the future...besides word of mouth travel far. So that being said have a great, scratch that, have a FABULOUS DAY! now I'm off to go bug my kids to paint my toes...LOL ;)

[SusanH]

OK, I love your Mom!!! She sounds so great - you're a very lucky girl. And I'm with the others - you rock, you are very talented, and you do your thang!! (there are endless possibilities out there for someone as talented as you - go for it!!)

[Revlie]

AMEN to you my sweetie, and now grow those babies, letting go is good for you hun
kus (kiss in Dutch)
Rev

[Nancy]

Oh man, I'm sorry you're going through this. Your style is your own. It's beautiful, clean and clearly you. You approach art from so many different angles: bookbinding, illustration, digital work. It's hard to master one form, but you integrate them all fabulously. It's always a treat to come over and see what you're up to. You may not have A5, but you'll always have Etsy! (All hail Esty!)

[Karla Dudley]

^_^...yes your right! Thanks honey!

[Renee A.]

So sorry to hear about all this Karla. I hope you get some answers and the truth come sout soon.

Hugs girl!

Renee

[kaydrenth]

Karla~ thanks so much for clearing this up! I hope that everything will end up working out for you in the end.